U.S, EU, KK NOD PRESIDENT LUNGU’S RE-ELECTION

The United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have congratulated His Excellency Mr. Edgar Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia on his re-election as Head of State and urged losing candidates to respect the official results as announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
During the August 15 Daily Briefing of the U.S Department of State, Director of Press Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Trudeau said the USA welcomes Zambian’s democratic decision made on August 11, 2016.
“The United States welcomes the Zambian citizens’ democratic spirit which was characterized in voting on 11th August. We congratulate President-elect Edgar Lungu and call on all candidates to show leadership in respecting the official results as announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia,” Ms. Trudeau said.
“We encourage all Zambians to maintain the good conduct exhibited during the vote, and if they have objections to the results, to use the approved legal mechanisms for peaceful re-address. We do note the statements by many of the international election observer missions, which highlighted (some) concerns with the pre-electoral environment. We hope that the government will address these concerns in the context of future elections.”
She stated that the United States has a strong partnership with Zambia and its people and looked forward to advancing the two countries’ shared interests.
And in their congratulatory message, the 27-member European Union (EU) bloc said the EU looks forward to deepening relations with Zambia under the leadership of President Lungu and thanked the Zambian people for participating en masse in the August 11 general elections.
Mr Nabila Massrali, the EU Spokesperson on the general elections and referendum in Zambia, said in a statement from Brussels that the EU looked forward to deepening its partnership with the Republic of Zambia.
“The EU Election Observation Mission’s preliminary assessment found that voting was peaceful and generally well administered. The EU expects all the political parties and electoral stakeholders to act in order to preserve peace, stability and tolerance in the country,” he said.
Republic of Botswana President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has also congratulated President Lungu on his re-election in the just ended general election.
President Khama described President Lungu’s victory as a demonstration of renewed confidence and trust which the Zambian people have in his visionary and judicious leadership in steering the country towards prosperity.
Dr Khama said it is pleasing to note that Zambia and Botswana continue to enjoy friendly relations, which are underpinned by close historical ties and fruitful cooperation.
In a congratulatory message, the Botswana President has wished President Lungu a successful new term of office and looks forward to working closely with him and the Zambian Government to further strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
‘’I firmly believe that our shared values and common vision to advance the regional and continental developmental agenda will inspire our continued collaboration.’’
Meanwhile, First President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Kenneth David Kaunda has with gratitude to God extended his congratulations to President Lungu on his re-election as Republican President in the August 11 polls.
Delivering a written message when he called on the President at State House today, Dr Kaunda praised Mr. Lungu for his continued concern for the unity of the country under the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto.
“Through the outcome of the vote, the people of Zambia continue to exhibit their trust in the President and his work,” Dr Kaunda said.
The First Republican President also hailed President Lungu for not considering his re-election as that of victors and the vanquished, but as a sign to do much more to unite and develop Zambia using the national motto.
“I am further moved by your continued concern for the unity of God’s people through the motto One Zambia, One Nation. Truly, you have continued to exhibit the great leadership qualities of sincerity, humility, and service to God and your fellow human beings,” he said.
“I was moved after hearing the President-elect stress with deep sincerity, his concern about One Zambia, One Nation in his first address to the members of the public who had thronged State House to congratulate him immediately after he was declared winner.”
Dr. Kaunda assured President Lungu that many people in Zambia, Africa and worldwide were in support of him, as he continues in his task of healing the nation in love, peace, unity and development.

Issued by: Amos Chanda SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT (PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS)
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